14 Signs That Your Kidneys Need Help
Your kidneys are an essential part of your body’s filtration system.
They are one of the main organs that filter waste out of your body and promote the healthy
growth of red blood cells.
Despite how essential the kidneys are to keeping you healthy and functioning, most people miss
early warning signs when these vital organs are in danger.
So, make sure to pay attention to the following signs that your kidneys need help - before
it’s too late.
Number 1 - Back Pain
Back pain can mean many things - which is why it’s so important to mention it to your
doctor.
It could be an indicator of kidney problems as well.
Your kidneys are higher up in your abdomen, right beneath your ribcage - so any intense
back pain you might have from a kidney infection or failure would occur in the middle to the
upper back area.
If the infection becomes severe, the pain can spread to your lower abdomen and groin
area as well.
Number 2 - Side Pain
This type of pain can be caused by kidney stones - which are hard deposits of built-up
salt and minerals that form inside the kidneys.
They can be extremely painful when passed.
In fact, the pain of passing them through the ureter and bladder is usually compared
to giving birth.
Kidney stones are much easier to identify because the pain comes in waves - instead
of a constant ache like with a kidney infection.
Number 3 - Frequent Urination
If you find that you’re going to the bathroom more and more frequently, it could have something
to do with your kidneys.
If your kidney’s filtering system is damaged or not working properly, urination will become
more frequent - especially at night.
While frequent urination is also associated with other health issues such as diabetes
and urinary tract infections, this is a sign that you should make an appointment with your
doctor to get an assessment.
Number 4 - Foamy Urine
Impaired kidney function can also create urine that foams like soap - and the bubbles don’t
go away when you flush the toilet.
It’s very similar to the foam created when you whisk eggs - due to albumin - a protein
found in both eggs and your urine.
Number 5 - Blood In Your Urine
Having blood in your urine is a common symptom of kidney disease.
If you notice blood in your pee, or even if it looks a little bit red or brown, you should
see a doctor - before whatever is going wrong internally, gets any worse.
Number 6 - Constipation
Your kidneys are mostly tied to your urinary tract, but problems with them can also lead
to bowel issues.
Kidney cancer in particular, can cause all sorts of disruptions in the body - mainly,
an overabundance of calcium in the bloodstream.
And having too much calcium in your system caused by failing kidneys often leads to constipation.
Many things can cause constipation, and it happens to everyone, once in a while.
But if it happens often, and you think there might be an underlying issue, get your calcium
levels checked.
Number 7 - Confusion
If you’re feeling dazed and confused more often than not, either you’re smoking too
much of the funky stuff and you’re aren’t at the top of your game, or it could be a
sign that’s something’s happening in your kidneys.
Having decreased kidney function can severely impair your cognizance and memory.
Plus, high levels of calcium caused by kidney cancer can add to frequent feelings of confusion.
Number 8 - Swollen Hands And Feet
One of the kidneys’ main functions is to filter excess water from your body, so when
they aren’t doing their job, excess water builds up and makes your extremities swell.
It’s important to note that swollen hands and feet can also be caused by heart failure
as well; so make sure you don’t ignore this symptom.
Number 9 - Swelling Around Your Eyes
As I mentioned, problems in your kidneys can lead to fluid and sodium buildup in your circulatory
system, which causes swelling in parts of your body.
Swelling around the eyes is another common kidney-related problem.
In the case of nephrotic syndrome - in which too much protein is secreted through the urine
- swelling will also occur because of the lower albumin levels in your bloodstream.
Number 10 - Bad Breath
Your kidneys not doing their job means whatever waste they were filtering before they stopped
working, will show up in rather unexpected places.
For instance, when your kidneys are unable to filter out the excess urea – which is
a major organic component of urine - you may notice a foul odor coming from your mouth.
Yes, improperly functioning kidneys can lead to sticky breath!
Number 11 - Gum Disease
Having bad breath isn’t the only oral related indicator that something’s up with your
kidneys.
Kidney problems can cause gum disease as well - and if you ignore the problem, it can worsen
and lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss.
People who have chronic kidney disease are much more likely to experience periodontal
disease as well as other issues like overgrown gums and dry mouth.
Number 12 - Inability To Eat Meat And Dairy
More advanced kidney diseases can turn protein-rich foods like dairy and meat into something awful
tasting.
That’s because these foods will break down into nitrogen and creatinine - waste products
that unhealthy kidneys are not able to filter out of the bloodstream.
Number 13 - High Blood Sugar
Diabetes takes a toll on the body and kidney function.
In fact, it’s the leading cause of kidney failure - responsible for 44% of new cases.
And because of the damage done to red blood cells, people who have diabetes are at risk
for a condition called diabetic kidney disease - which only worsens the function of the kidneys.
Number 14 - Chronic Nosebleeds
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a disease that causes blood vessels to swell
in different parts of the body - such as the kidneys, nose, sinuses, throat, or lungs.
One of the first signs of having this condition is a runny nose or having frequent nosebleeds.
Though GPA may not always affect the kidneys - when it does, it affects them to the extreme
- causing chronic kidney disease and in some cases, kidney failure.
If nosebleeds start to become a regular occurrence, you should talk to your doctor about it.
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